Nick's Mission (Lerner Mysteries) [Library Binding]

Claire H. Blatchford (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Lerner Mysteries

Nick, a deaf sixth grader, is upset about having to go to speech therapy over the summer, until he and his dog stumble on some dangerous smugglers and he learns the importance of being able to communicate.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?Nick, 12, has been deaf since he was struck with meningitis at age 6. In an attempt to keep him mainstreamed in public school, his mother insists that he attend daily speech-therapy sessions. Nick, intending to spend the entire summer swimming, snorkeling, and generally cavorting around the lake near his home, strenuously objects to his mother's plans. Matters are at an uncomfortable stalemate until the boy happens upon a bird-smuggling ring operating on the far side of the lake. After making a narrow escape from the miscreants, he is saved from impending hypothermia by a boat bearing the authorities and his frantic mother. His slurred speech presents some barriers to conveying the vital information about the criminals. However, the photos he snapped fill in the gaps and convince the police to raid the site where both the birds and a gardener are being held captive. The most impressive feature of this otherwise predictable adventure story is that the protagonist is handicapped. His struggle with and denial of his disability will provide food for thought for all readers. The sense of empowerment Nick gains through his triumph over adversity should inspire children coping with self-esteem issues. A light, fun read that offers a little something extra.?Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. Twelve-year-old Nick is looking forward to summer vacation and the chance to snorkel in the lake and play with his dog, Wags. Unfortunately, Mom has made other plans, arranging for a speech therapist to work with him so that he can continue attending regular schools despite his hearing impairment. Angry, Nick opts to forgo both therapy and speaking to his mother. Then he stumbles into a ring of smugglers transporting scarlet macaws from Mexico to the U.S., and finds himself in a dangerous situation in which his very survival depends on his ability to communicate clearly. The author, who is hearing impaired, writes with empathy and understanding about the social and emotional issues facing the deaf, yet she never invites readers to pity Nick. His disability affects his life, but it never defines his character. A suspenseful story that should appeal to animal lovers and mystery buffs. Kay Weisman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 156 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publications (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822507404
• ISBN-13: 978-0822507406
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,110,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best and most compelling books I have ever read!, July 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Nick's Mission (Lerner Mysteries) (Library Binding)

This book is really touching. It is about a boy's who is almost deaf, and is very brave. He actually saves a person's life, despite his disability. This proves to you that anyone can do anything, if they put their mind to it. The author is an amazing woman who is actually deaf, but reads lips and speaks very well.

1.0 out of 5 stars Stopped reading at page 29, May 29, 2011

By 

H. Jacobs "missionmom" (usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nick's Mission (Lerner Mysteries) (Library Binding)

I was reading this book to my daughter who lives with a cognitive impairment. We were having a lot of fun reading the story and laughing because she also doesn't like going to therapy. Then we got to page 29 and my heart stopped because there is Nick, a boy with a hearing impairment saying that if he talks because will think he is retarded. I'm guessing that the author thought there was probably nothing worse than that. So hurtful to have to read that to a child who has yet to discover what the majority of the world really thinks of people with special needs.